The health department has warned all provincial governments to watch for any possible cases of monkeypox in light of the World Health Organization’s (WHO) declaration, which declares the disease “a worldwide medical emergency”.

The Health Minister Qadir Patel announced on Sunday that the government had took the decision to enhance surveillance across the country, and was adopting effective measures to stop any outbreak of the disease.

“All the provincial and national medical authorities are urged to be alert for any possible infection of monkeypox,” Patel said in a statement. “Instructions are being given to all stakeholders, particularly health care providers at the border for rigorous monitoring at every point for entry.”

The minister said that the country will continue to operate in accordance with WHO guidelines. “The recommendations based on international health standards are fully implemented in this country.” He added.

The minister announced that screening for all travelers coming into the country will be conducted at the health facilities at the border of the Central Health Establishment (CHE) , especially those who are from African countries.

The National Health Services Ministry spokesperson confirmed that no case of monkeypox has been identified in Pakistan to date, but said that the situation is being closely monitored by health officials.

Also Read: Simple Tips to Stay Cool On Hot Days

Monkeypox is an uncommon viral Zoonotic disease caused through infection with Monkeypox. While the source of the virus is unknown, African rodents and non-human primates, such as monkeys, could be carriers of the virus and transmit it to humans.

The patient experiences an itch within 3 to 7 days after an appearance of fever usually appearing on the face, and moving to other parts in the body. Other signs are headaches, muscles, fatigue, muscle aches and lymphadenopathy.

The period of incubation is typically 7-14 days, but can vary between five and 21 days. The symptoms typically last for up to 4 weeks. Transmission occurs through contact with infected animals, humans or other material which are contaminated by the virus.

The health department has warned all provincial governments to watch for any possible cases of monkeypox in light of the World Health Organization’s (WHO) declaration, which declares the disease “a worldwide medical emergency”.

The Health Minister Qadir Patel announced on Sunday that the government had took the decision to enhance surveillance across the country, and was adopting effective measures to stop any outbreak of the disease.

“All the provincial and national medical authorities are urged to be alert for any possible infection of monkeypox,” Patel said in a statement. “Instructions are being given to all stakeholders, particularly health care providers at the border for rigorous monitoring at every point for entry.”

The minister said that the country will continue to operate in accordance with WHO guidelines. “The recommendations based on international health standards are fully implemented in this country.” He added.

The minister announced that screening for all travelers coming into the country will be conducted at the health facilities at the border of the Central Health Establishment (CHE) , especially those who are from African countries.

The National Health Services Ministry spokesperson confirmed that no case of monkeypox has been identified in Pakistan to date, but said that the situation is being closely monitored by health officials.

Also Read: Simple Tips to Stay Cool On Hot Days

Monkeypox is an uncommon viral Zoonotic disease caused through infection with Monkeypox. While the source of the virus is unknown, African rodents and non-human primates, such as monkeys, could be carriers of the virus and transmit it to humans.

The patient experiences an itch within 3 to 7 days after an appearance of fever usually appearing on the face, and moving to other parts in the body. Other signs are headaches, muscles, fatigue, muscle aches and lymphadenopathy.

The period of incubation is typically 7-14 days, but can vary between five and 21 days. The symptoms typically last for up to 4 weeks. Transmission occurs through contact with infected animals, humans or other material which are contaminated by the virus.